Search results for 'bar':

bar¹ noun 1 a block of some solid substance • bar of soap. 2 a rod or long piece of a strong rigid material used as a fastening, weapon, obstruction, etc. 3 anything that prevents, restricts or hinders, such as a non-physical barrier • colour bar • a bar on alcohol. 4 a line or band of colour or light, etc, especially a stripe on a heraldic shield. 5 a room or counter in a restaurant or hotel, etc, or a separate establishment, where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk. 6 in compounds a small café where drinks and snacks are served • coffee bar • snack bar. 7 in compounds a counter where some specified service is available • a heel bar. 8 a (also bar-line) a vertical line marked on music, dividing it into sections of equal value; b one of these sections. 9 the rail in a law court where the accused person stands. 10 (the Bar) the profession of barristers and advocates. 11 a raised area of sand, mud or stones, etc at the mouth of a river or harbour. 12 an addition to a medal, usually to show that it has been won more than once • DSO and bar. 13 in salary statements: a level beyond which one cannot rise unless certain conditions, eg concerning the amount of advanced work one does, are met. verb (barred, barring) 1 to fasten something with a bar. 2 (often bar someone from something) to forbid, prohibit, prevent them from entering (eg a place or event), doing something, etc • The landlord barred him for a month. 3 to hinder, obstruct or prevent someone's progress • tried to bar his way. 4 to mark something with a stripe or bar. prep except; except for • CID have now interviewed every suspect, bar one. See also barring. be called to the Bar in the UK: to be admitted as a barrister or advocate. behind bars in prison.
ETYMOLOGY: 12c: from French barre.

bar² noun, physics, meteorol, etc in the metric system: a unit of pressure, especially atmospheric pressure, 10¹⁵ newtons per square metre. See also millibar.
ETYMOLOGY: Early 20c: from Greek baros weight.